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Fall in love with North Devon

With Valentine's Day coming up, we've been thinking about the best places to escape to for a romantic weekend. So if you haven't already made plans to whisk your loved one away, why not take a look at our ideas for a romantic break in North Devon? We put these ideas together with the help of our friends at Brend Hotels who are offering some great Valentine's Day deals at their indulgent hotels in Barnstaple and Saunton, both perfectly placed for exploring the Coast Path. You can also use the Accommodation Finder on our website to locate our business members in the area.

For the star-gazer

Explore the charming twin villages of Lynton & Lynmouth and take a walk on the South West Coast Path to see the spectacular Valley of the Rocks. At just under 3 miles, this circular route is ideal for capturing that picture-perfect moment and making a special memory together. You’ll also be just a stone’s throw from Exmoor National Park, which has some of the darkest skies in the country making it perfect for star gazing. Click here to download free walking directions and click here to find out more about Exmoor’s dark skies.

After a day out exploring, you’ll want to have some time to relax before heading out for dinner and drinks. The Park Hotel in Barnstaple is North Devon’s newest 4* hotel and will add a touch of luxury to your weekend away. Ideally situated just 10 minutes from the town centre, you’ll have plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from but remember to book ahead - it is Valentine’s Day after all! Brend also have a cocktail lounge and bistro nearby ‘Bar 62’ and ’62 The Bank’ serving great cocktails and an eclectic menu of dishes from around the world.

For the spa-lover

Combine your adventures on the South West Coast Path with a luxurious and restful spa break at Saunton Sands Hotel. Start your day with some gentle yoga, Pilates or T’ai chi practice, before heading out for a walk. Weave your way through a network of old lanes and climb to a vantage point high above three miles of golden sand at Saunton, with breath-taking views right across Bideford Bay and the Taw and Torridge estuary. This 4.5 mile circular route takes you along the old coastguard path around the low cliffs at Down End before returning across the exquisite Croyde Beach. This walk is guaranteed to leave you feeling rejuvenated and energised. Click here to download free walking directions.

Head back to the hotel to ease weary bodies in the double-bedded treatment room or brand-new ocean-view Thermal Suite. Elevate and cool your body temperature intermittently to reap the many health and beauty benefits associated with taking a true thermal journey. Start in the beach-view marine vitality pool, filled with dead sea saltwater with powerful massage jets to work the whole body to eliminate muscular tension and improve circulation, before taking a cooling shower and stepping in the salt inhalation steam room. After another refreshing shower, it’s time to crank up the heat in the Finnish aroma sauna before finally cooling off at the ice fountain. The alternation between increasingly hot and cold temperatures can stimulate and improve your circulation, relax aching muscles, cleanse and rejuvenate your skin and boost your immune system, as well as feeling luxurious and invigorating…Leaving you ready to walk the Path another day! For more walks in this area, visit www.southwestcoastpath.org.uk